Westrop Primary & Nursery School: Nursery Review

Westrop Nursery aims to build learning around children’s interests, with the curiosity approach adding an emphasis on imagination and independence. This is the school’s own nursery on its Highworth site, with provision for children aged 2–4. Early learning has its own curriculum rather than following the older pupils’ programme.

A nursery manager also works as a class teacher, while Bumble Bees has a room leader. That places classroom teaching and room leadership within the nursery’s team structure.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for a curriculum designed for Westrop’s youngest children. The nursery aims to build learning around their interests and starting points, using 10 curriculum goals to describe the progress it wants children to make. For parents, the emphasis is on the next step for their child, rather than simply completing the same activities as everyone else.

Both outdoor and indoor spaces form part of the learning environment. Westrop says it takes time to understand children and their families so that learning opportunities connect with what interests each child. Alongside this, the curiosity approach is intended to encourage children to imagine and act independently.

In October 2022, Ofsted found that organised nursery activities helped children develop their understanding of mathematics. Early years children also took part in songs, rhymes and stories. These give a concrete picture of early learning: number understanding through activities, alongside shared language and storytelling.

Tapestry keeps parents updated about their child’s progress in early years. It gives families a way to follow learning beyond conversations with staff. For children with additional needs, the school’s SENCO coordinates support, with parents involved in identifying needs and planning the response.

Pupil passports record children’s strengths, difficulties and preferred ways of learning. Personal Progress Plans bring together individual targets and support, with reviews involving families three times a year. Termly SEND drop-ins provide another opportunity for parents to discuss support. These arrangements make communication part of the support process, rather than leaving it until a concern grows.

Across the school site, accessibility adaptations include ramps, lifts and accessible toilets. Free Cool Milk is provided for children under 5.

Attending Westrop Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. Swindon residents use Swindon Borough Council’s online Common Application Form.

For September 2026 entry, the on-time application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Nursery attendance and the Reception application should therefore be treated as separate decisions, even when a family hopes to remain at Westrop.

Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours of funded early education over 38 weeks for children aged 2–4, with eligibility codes renewed every 3 months. Universal funding provides 15 hours from the term following a child’s third birthday. Some children qualify for up to 15 hours from the term after turning 2 through the government-support route.

Funded nursery sessions carry no additional costs for families. Charges apply to unfunded attendance and hours beyond the funded allocation; late collection penalties are excluded from funding. Payments use School Money. Contact nursery@westrop.swindon.sch.uk for nursery enquiries and current charges, or contact the school office to arrange a visit.